Charles.O

I understand the need to give the youngsters playing time but, with a chance to get into the quarter finals of the League Cup, I'm very disappointed of the team that Southampton fielded tonight in their 2-1 loss against a Sunderland side that I felt the first-team would blow aside. Jay Rodriguez was the only Saint on the field that regularly starts in the Premier League and it was more of a third than second team selection. The main damage this mentality is doing is that it's devaluing Cup competitions. As a Saints fan, of course I'm annoyed but we aren't the only team this applies to and ask the question whether anything can be done to discourage this from happening?

I read yesterday that only 5 of the 24 horses that ran in the 2013 Melbourne Cup were foaled in Australia with the best finisher coming 6th. For the second year running an Irish bred ex-English trained horse has won Australia's greatest horse race and I can't help but think the race has abandoned all classic routes. I saw Green Moon win the London Gold Cup at Newbury in 2010 and Fiorente come 5th in a maiden there last year. Who would have thought Newbury would be the starting place for Melbourne Cup winners? It is simply poor that 19 of the 24 runners in the Melbourne Cup aren't Australian and you only have the breading and greedy owners to blame. Where are all the top middle distance stallions down under? So You Think (the best middle-distance Australian horse for many years) was sired by High Chaparrel (an Epsom Derby winner). Too much emphasis is on speed and quick returns in Australia that I can only see things regressing for Australian racing beyond a mile. Something needs to be done, but the rich owners won't do anything but spend stupid amounts of money bringing European cast-offs down under. Mind you it's working: Green Moon, Fiorente, Jet Away, Sea Moon, Manighar, Ibicenco, Seville, Kelinni, Puisance de Lune, Pakal and Masked Marvel (to name but a few) have all recorded major victories down under. It's been 4 years since an Australian horse won the Cup now. Australia may lead the world with sprinters but something needs to be done about the poor state of the middle distance industry before we have a Melbourne Cup without an Australian-foaled runner. I just wondered what (if anything) can be done?

If one was to travel across the USA from New York to California what would be the best route to take? Especially over the winter. Furthermore, approximately how long would it take a person to walk this distance? Is it a possible feat? I would like to know before I place a bet with a colleague as to me accepting this challenge. I appreciate all helpful answers. Thank you.

Well the final field has been declared and the draw made for the world's best flat race so who are we all backing to win the Paris show-piece on Sunday? 18 runners go in pursuit of some of the €4million in prize money and in what looks one of the highest quality races ever run. There are 3 Derby winners in the line up: Epsom (Ruler Of The World), French (Intello) & Japanese (Kizuna) along with King George winner Novellist, Eclipse and Prince of Wales' victor Al Kazeem, Von Europa winner Meandre, Grand Prix de Paris claimant Flintshire, St Leger winner Leading Light, French Oaks and Vermeille winning machine Treve and of course the mighty Orfevre who bids to finally claim the Arc for the Land of the Rising Sun. The going is currently described as 'good to soft'. 12 furlongs. Group 1. 3 year old plus colts, fillies and mares. 18 runners. Off time: 15:15 BST.

Number, draw, form, horse, age, weight, trainer, jockey, current odds.

1. (1) 113742 / VERY NICE NAME, 4, 9-5, A De Mieulle - P Convertino (66/1) FR

2. (12) 1-1111 / NOVELLIST, 4, 9-5, A Wohler - Johnny Murtagh (9/2) GER

3. (18) 111132 / AL KAZEEM, 5, 9-5, Roger Charlton - James Doyle (16/1) ENG

4. (14) 9-6302 / JOSHUA TREE, 6, 9-5, Ed Dunlop - Richard Hughes (50/1) ENG

5. (2) 469331 / MEANDRE, 5, 9-5, A Savujev - Umberto Rispoli (50/1) CHQ

6. (8) 122-11 / ORFEVRE, 5, 9-5, Yasotoshi Ikee - Christophe Soumillion (5/2) JAP

7. (4) 1-5234 / GOING SOMEWHERE, 4, 9-4, D Smaga - Gregory Benoist (100/1) ITA

8. (17) 722366 / HAYA LANDA, 5, 9-2, Mme L Audon - Franck Blondel (100/1) FR

9. (3) 314653 / PIRIKA, 5, 9-2, Andre Fabre - Pierre Charles Boudot (100/1) FR

10. (7) 12114 / FLINTSHIRE, 3, 8-11, Andre Fabre - Maxime Guyon (14/1) FR

11. (5) 1-1111 / LEADING LIGHT, 3, 8-11, A P O'Brien - Gerald Mosse (14/1) IRE

12. (13) -11533 / OCOVANGO, 3, 8-11, Andre Fabre - Stephane Pasquier (33/1) FR

13. (10) 612121 / PENGLAI PAVILION, 3, 8-11, Andre Fabre - M Barzalona (40/1) FR

14. (11) -51111 / KIZUNA, 3, 8-11, Shozo Sasaki - Yutaka Teke (8/1) JAP

15. (6) 11152 / RULER OF THE WORLD, 3, 8-11, A P O'Brien - R Moore (11/1) IRE

16. (16) 133232 / SAHAWAR, 3, 8-11, C Ferland - Thierry Thulliez (100/1) FR

17. (9) 131131 / INTELLO, 3, 8-11, Andre Fabre - Olivier Peslier (12/1) FR

18. (15) 1-111 / TREVE, 3, 8-8, Mme C Head-Maarek - Thierry Jarnet (11/2) FR

So who will win?

Silly question I'm sure but as I've never purchased a flight ticket before. If one buys a ticket for a flight are the tickets sent to them in the post or do you have to collect them from somewhere? Just standard Uk based question. Also how long before a flight should I check in? Thanks.

... win the St Leger and the Arc in the same season? All this talk of Leading Light possibly taking his chance in Paris had be pondering this question. Also wondered who was the last Derby winner to win the St Leger? I did back Leading Light but must admit I can't see him claiming the Arc against the likes of Novellist, Orfevre, Flintshire, Al Kazeem and The Fugue unless the going's bottomless. It's also a tough ask for a 3 year old to drop back 2 1/2 furlongs in the world's best flat race. I can see him more of a Gold Cup winner next year. I do love the Leger still, my second favourite Classic, behind the obvious. Anyway I'd appreciate anyone who pops up to help me out. Cheers.

Just a few questions regarding the Breeders Cup. I don't have the privilege of being American and am rather oblivious when it comes to the Breeders Cup prices and wanted to know how much a standard tats (grandstand) ticket for the Breeders Cup costs. Both days preferable. I understand that it might depend on where the event is being held. I'm curious as I might make the trip over to Santa Anita in 2014 from sunny Southampton. Don't worry about changing prices into sterling. Furthermore, how old does one have to be to place a bet on US racecourses? And finally, does there happen to be a dress code for the event? I have attended Royal Ascot and the Derby in the past where there is a strict dress code but obviously am unaware of any such proceedings in the States. Much obliged.

Just wondering who's doing the Glorious Goodwood competition this year. Cheers.

I have to admit I generally am at a loss with this year's renewal of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday (15:50 BST). It all rests on how the world's highest rated horse, Cirrus Des Aigles, fairs over 12 furlongs and on firm ground, but perhaps the opposition isn't great. But I'm at a loss so who do you think will win Europe's summer show-piece? I might not have a bet and just watch this year. At least there's international flavour as always chasing £1,000,000 in prize money.

1. Cirrus Des Aigles / Mme C Barbe / Christophe Soumillion, 6/4 FR

2. Ektihaam / Roger Varian / Dane O'Niel, 8/1 UK

3. Novellist / Andreas Wohler / Johnny Murtagh, 4/1 GER

4. Red Cadeaux / Ed Dunlop / Graham Lee, 25/1 UK

5. Universal / Mark Johnston / Joe Fanning, 16/1 UK

6. Very Nice Name / A de Mieulle / Olivier Peslier, 20/1 FR

7. Hillstar / Sir Michael Stoute / Ryan Moore, 7/1 UK

8. Trading Leather / Jim Bolger / Kevin Manning, 9/2 IRE

Isn't it apt that Prince George was born in King George week?

I was just wondering, as I haven't much of a clue, if cricket is at all popular in the USA? Do people play it, does the USA play it nationally? It does seem that England, Ireland, South Africa, West Indies, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia are the only counties that play it nationally, or at least to any degree of success.

18:30 (BST)

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) (Class 1) (3YO only) 1m 4f

Winner €725,000

Good-firm

(no, form, horse, trainer, jockey, odds)

1. 1162-34.....Cap O'Rushes - S bin Surror - P J Smullen (66/1)

2. 51-30........Festive Cheer - A P O'Brien - J A Heffernan (20/1)

3. 15-33........Galileo Rock - D Wachman - W M Lordan (8/1)

4. 1412.........Libertarian - Mrs K Burke - W Buick (7/2)

5. 41-32........Little White Cloud - J M Oxx - D P McDonogh (33/1)

6. 67-2118.....Ralston Road - J P Shanahan - T P O'Shea (100/1)

7. 111...........Ruler Of The World - A P O'Brien - J P O'Brien (11/10)

8. 2111-21.....Sugar Boy - P J Prendergast - C D Hayes (9/1)

9. 115-231.....Trading Leather - J S Bolger - K J Manning (5/1)

Can anyone see past Ruler Of The World?

I've just read an article (racing post) that informs me that the official handicapper has rated Ruler Of The World (winner of last week's Derby) 120+. This is the worst rating for a Derby winner this century (Sir Percy was given 121 in 2006) and I can honestly say I'm surprised. Ok, the horse had only one twice before but claiming over a 2 length lead with a 1/4 mile to go in a top notch Derby and winning by 1 3/4 isn't bad. Sure, the consensus is he will improve but does anyone else agree that we have a poor Derby winner on our hands? Surely can't be a worse Derby than last years? And if you think to the contrary will Ruler Of The World win the Arc?

Who do you think will win the world's most famous flat race?

It is the 234th running of the Derby on Saturday 1st of June.

1 mile, 4 furlongs 10 yards. Epsom Downs. Sponsored by Investec.

Three year-old colts and fillies only. Total prize fund: £1,250,000.

Predicted going description 'good to soft'. The race is due of at 4pm BST.

1. (9) BATTLE OF MARENGO (Aiden O'Brien / Joseph O'Brien) IRE - 5/1

2. (4) CHOPIN (Andreas Wolher / Jamie Spencer) GER - 10/1

3. (7) DAWN APPROACH (Jim Bolger / Kevin Manning) IRE- 10/11

4. (2) FESTIVE CHEER (Aiden O'Brien / Seamie Heffernan) IRE- 50/1

5. (8) FLYING THE FLAG (Aiden O'Brien / Colm O'Donoghue) IRE - 150/1

6. (11) GALILEO ROCK (David Wachman / Wayne Lordan) IRE - 33/1

7. (5) LIBERTARIAN (Mrs K Burke / William Buick) GBR - 14/1

8. (12) MARS (Aiden O'Brien / Richard Hughes) IRE - 14/1

9. (6) MIRSAALE (James Tate / Neil Callan) GBR- 100/1

10. (3) OCEAN APPLAUSE (John Ryan / Daragh O'Donoghue) GBR - 750/1

11. (1) OCOVANGO (Andre Fabre / P C Boudot) FR - 7/1

12. (10) RULER OF THE WORLD (Aiden O'Brien / Ryan Moore) IRE - 8/1

This Friday sees the 2013 running of the Oaks, first run in 1779.

Who do you think will win the third Classic of the season? Sponsored by Invesetec.

Three year-old fillies only. Predicted going description 'good'. First prize: £241,727.

1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards. Epsom Downs. The race is due of at 4pm BST.

1. BANOFFEE (Hughie Morrisson) 8/1

2. GERTRUDE VERSED (John Gosden) 33/1

3. LIBER NAUTICUS (Sir Michael Stoute) 7/2

4. MADAME DEFARGE (Michael Bell) 25/1

5. MISS YOU TOO (David Simcock) 100/1

6. MOTH (Aiden O'Brien) 3/1

7. ROZ (Harry Dunlop) 50/1

8. SAY (Aiden O'Brien) 10/1

9. SECRET GESTURE (Ralph Beckett) 5/2

10. SNOW QUEEN (Aiden O'Brien) 20/1

11. TALENT (Ralph Beckett) 14/1

12. THE LARK (Michael Bell) 33/1

It's the 205th running of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday (15:50).

It is the first Classic of the season and it sees unbeaten colts Dawn Approach and Toronado lock horns on the Rowley Mile along with a host of top three year olds.

Stalls are in the middle of the course.

Going is described as 'good to firm, good in places'

So who do you think will win?

Dawn Approach (Jim Bolger / Kevin Manning) 7/4

Toronado (Richard Hannon / Richard Hughes) 2/1

Cristiphoro Colombo (Aiden O'Brien / Joseph O'Brien) 8/1

Garswood (Richard Fahey / Tony Hamilton) 12/1

Mars (Aiden O'Brien / Sheamie Heffernan) 12/1

George Vancouver (Aiden O'Brien / Colm O'Donoghue) 14/1

Van Der Neer (Richard Hannon / William Buick) 20/1

Moohajim (Marco Botti / Adam Kirby) 25/1

Kyllachy Rise (Sir Henry Cecil / Tom Queally) 66/1

Letir Mor (Jim Bolger / Ronan Whelan) 66/1

Dont Bother Me (Niall Moran / Martin Harley) 100/1

Correspondent (Brian Meehan / Paul Hanagan) 150/1

Glory Awaits (Kevin Ryan / Jamie Spencer) 200/1

To save me asking another question, who do you think will win the 1000 Guineas on Sunday?

In wake of the drug scandals of Mahmood Al Zarooni and Gerard Butler wreaking havoc in UK horse racing it has been raised that Australian racehorses should be banned from contesting races in England. Trainer Roger Charlton is one of many trainers who believe that Australian horses have an unfair advantage over the home contingent at Royal Ascot. Australia's rules on drugs in racing is far more relaxed and in fact performance enhancing drugs are freely used. Is this why Australia's sprinters have enjoyed such success at Royal Ascot? Despite the fact they cannot test positive for any substances come race day the effect of these drugs has been on the horse for years building up muscle and allowing the horse to run faster. I read an article that said this is most beneficial in sprinters which could be why Australia produces the world's best. Hence, I fully believe that to ensure that there is a level playing field all Australian racehorses should be banned from contesting races in England including Royal Ascot unless there is proof they have not been given prohibited substances throughout their life. Your thoughts?

For example: the traditional perfect bacon buttie - one slice of bread (butter if you are of sufficient ability to actually spread margarine on a slice of bread without tearing through it) - four perhaps five rashers of the finest Yorkshire bacon (women may perhaps be prone to removing the trace of fat elegantly running along side of the rashers) - light sprinkling of salt - brown sauce - the other slice of bread (see butter^). This is how a bacon sandwich should be treated - none of this tomato rubbish, you fools ruin the essence of the bacon, you might as well have ham that has been getting luke warm on the radiator for 10 minutes. Brown sauce is the perfect attribution to the sandwich encouraging the flavour of the bacon not smothering it it flouncy tomato flavoured curd. And don't venture into mustard territory, one must have be a hardened veteran of the bacon buttie making world before they can venture into the abnormal but barely acceptable realms of placing mustard upon bacon. Is this right?

Does anybody know how many books were in circulation at any one time in Nazi Germany (1933-1945), and compare it to other countries from the time?

How long until European trainers give up on the Breeders Cup. If the Friday results have not proved it's Mickey Mouse racing then I don't know what will. First dirt racing has proved it's only for Americans and has just given fame and glory a nightmare and then sky lantern and the fugue? The Fugue should have won and too many to count in the juvenile turf. A world championship race shouldn't come down to luck in running on a furlong straight. Is it still worth it or has today proved the breeders cup is Mickey Mouse racing?

Who do you think will win the 35 runner Cambridgeshire on Saturday. Should we follow the money on Chil The Kite or go in on the lightly raced Mukhadram, both of whom you could still get 10/1 about. And if not those two, then who? And the Group 1 Chevely Park; is Maureen a steel at 5/2 or is their another who can claim Group 1 glory? And the other Group 1 on the card the Sun Chariot Stakes? One of the best fillies' Group 1 of the season, any ideas?